You have to trust Dakota Johnson to convince me that a shoe trend I’d given up on as “just tacky” actually looks super chic. Out and about in LA on Wednesday, the actress paired a casual-yet-elegant look with low white leather heels, then wore the trend again with an all-white look. Needless to say, I’ve never been more interested in owning shoes. Here’s why.
For starters, it’s more versatile than you’d think. For her first outing, Johnson opted to pair it with low-rise jeans that fell just below the hips, which immediately contrasted with the glamour of a pair of small heels. For a more casual look, she teamed her daytime outfit with a crisp white t-shirt layered over a cozy black cardigan, a look she knows she can wear for a variety of occasions, whether it’s for work or out for a quick meal with friends.
Just hours after being photographed in jeans, Johnson stepped out in low white heels again, but this time in a completely different style. Reaching for a tailored suit in a vibrant shade of white to match the shoes, this outfit is the type of outfit I’d go-to for any formal occasions I have coming up. I’ll swap out the suit for a bright or pastel color for a wedding, but keep the white shoes. They’d also look great with a light, flowy dress for a fresh, summery look.
To be honest, I’ve always been hesitant when it comes to white leather products. I remember buying a pair of white heels when I was about 14, only for my mom to make me return them because she thought they were “ugly.” Apparently, this mentality is intergenerational. Perhaps it was partly because of the styling I saw that made me think they were less elegant than darker heels.
But seeing Johnson’s outfit completely changed my mind, for two reasons. First, the styling, as I’ve already mentioned, and second, the tone of her shoes. Whereas other white shoes look stark and unnatural, hers are a slightly warmer hue and more sophisticated in my opinion. If you’ve been avoiding wearing white shoes for a while now, this might be something to consider.
Clearly, Johnson isn’t alone in her love of low-heeled white shoes. Brands all over the world are quickly perfecting their styles for the summer season. This could be the year we rewrite the narrative around white heels, and I totally agree. For more inspiration, scroll down to see the white heel looks Dakota Johnson shopped and my picks for the chicest low-heeled white shoes.
Check out Dakota Johnson’s white low heels look:
1. Jeans + cardigan
Cos
Clean cut T-shirt (white)
Armada Label
Coco Cardigan, Black
Armada’s cashmere cardigans are luxuriously soft and extremely comfortable to wear.
Low rise, relaxed fit jeans are still in style this year.
Monica Vinader
Siren Muse large hoop earrings in gold vermeil
It’s the perfect finishing touch for an off-duty look.
Charles & Keith
Metallic accent slingback pumps
It’s already tending to sell out.
2. White suit + sunglasses
H&M
Oversized linen blend blazer
H&M is really good at summer suits.
Cos
Winged sunglasses – cat eye
Protect your eyes in style.
H&M
Linen blend tapered trousers
These hang so beautifully on the body.
reform
Waldorf kitten heel mules
Shop my collection of the best white heels:
Mules are a big thing this summer.
Zara
Patent-finish heeled mules (white)
These classic mules are also available in black.
mango
Heeled non-structured sandals
These come in US sizes 5-10.
The Law
Soft knot pumps in leather
The smaller heel adds height without discomfort.
A classic pair you’ll always want to return to.
Dispute
Bare Leather Sandals
If you would like an ankle strap.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.